| August 21, 2008 |
Vol 15, Issue
35 | |
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FAHSA
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| Welcome to
this week's edition of the FAHSA Link.
State Economists Lower
Revenue Estimate for Current Budget Year -- AGAIN! --
State economists met last week to revise their forecast of
Florida's general revenue collections. The news was not
good. The economists reduced their revenue estimates for
fiscal year (FY) 2008-09 by $1.766 billion (7%) and for FY
2009-10 by $2.155 billion (8%). The result is an almost $1.5
billion general revenue shortfall in the current budget year
(which began July 1) that must be addressed. This
includes using the roughly $300 million the state has in the
working capital fund (cash reserves carried forward into this
year.)
The new estimates mean that the state has
less general revenue to spend in the current year than it did
last year. This marks the third consecutive year that
this has happened. Prior to this period, it had never
happened before.
In anticipation of further
revenue shortfalls, the 2008 Legislature gave Governor Crist
the authority to tap reserves - the Budget Stabilization Fund
and the Lawton Chiles Endowment - to the tune of $1.6
billion. While reserves may be employed, their use has
its drawbacks. Reserves are one-time revenues.
Using them to fund recurring expenses really only postpones
the problem. Governor Crist has already asked agencies
to hold back 4 percent of their budgets, a move that needs to
be ratified by the legislature. If this is done across
the board, the budget shortfall will be cut in
half.
Now is a time for great fiscal
statesmanship. Florida must not try to tax its way out
of this economic downturn, which would only make matters
worse. Instead the state must work aggressively to help
the economy and streamline government activities to improve
efficiency and thereby reduce cost. We must scrutinize
and review all areas of government spending to devise an
actionable plan to wisely cut and consolidate to help the
economy, provide for the citizens, and balance the
budget.
Source: Florida TaxWatch E-Communique,
August 15, 2008
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| Amendment 5 Updates: |
Amendment 5 Appeal Certified to
Florida Supreme Court -- Last week, Circuit Judge
John C. Cooper ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in case
#2008CA2164 to remove Amendment 5 from the November 2008
general election ballot citing that Amendment 5's ballot title
and summary were misleading to voters. Soon after the
announcement, defendants in the case appealed the ruling to
the First District Court of Appeals. In an order released
on Tuesday morning (August 19), First District Court of
Appeals Judges Edward T. Barfield, Charles J. Kahn, Jr. and
Phillip J. Padovano certified the Amendment 5 legal challenge
directly to the Florida Supreme Court. The Supreme Court
accepted the appeal within a few hours and has scheduled oral
arguments for 9:00 a.m. on September
8.
Implications of Revised State Revenue
Estimates for Amendment 5 -- The new state revenue
estimates have implications for Amendment 5. The
revised revenue estimates mean that a new one percent sales
tax [as authorized in Amendment 5] will only raise $3.66
billion in 2010-11, not the $4 billion previously
thought. Also, it now looks like the amount of general
revenue available for next year's budget (2009-10) will be
more than $1 billion less than the amount in the current
budget. This means it is unlikely that the legislature
will be able to significantly increase the FEFP (K-12 funding)
next year, and could lead to another reduction. Any
reduction means an increase in the $11.1 billion the
legislature would have to replace to make up for the lost
school property taxes and hold schools harmless. For
more information, see Uncertainty Makes
Amendment 5 a Bad Bet for Florida.
Source: Florida TaxWatch E-Communique, August
15, 2008 |
| ALF News |
New Research Indicates ALF Rates On the
Rise -- Assisted living facilities are charging an
average of 13% more than two years ago, while nursing home
operators have hiked prices 7% over the same time span,
according to a new nationwide survey.
The average daily
cost for assisted living residents is $3,241 per month, or
about $108 per day, according to the 2008 Long-Term Care Cost
Study, which was released by Prudential Financial on Monday.
It was the largest jump among long-term care providers
surveyed.
Average rates for a private nursing home bed,
meanwhile, rose to $79,810 per year (or about $6,650 per month
or $222 per day), the survey showed. Annual rates for
semi-private rooms were about 11% less than private rooms.
That equates to about $70,810 per year ($5,900 per month, $197
per day).
Geography played a familiar role in
calculations, with Alaska ($183,595), New York City ($160,965)
and Stamford, CT ($148,920), ringing up the biggest bills for
private nursing care, while Louisiana ($48,180) Kansas
($53,655) and Missouri ($55,845) billed at the lowest
rates.
Prudential teamed up with LifeCare, an
independent "adult care" services provider, to conduct the
telephone survey of 1,613 long-term care operators from
November 2007 to January 2008.
Source:
McKnight's Long Term Care new and Assisted Living,
August 20, 2008. |
| CCRC /
Retirement Community News |
Build and Renovate "Green"
-- If you are building or renovating a building, be sure to
read the July/August 2008 issue of AAHSA/FAHSA
futureAge. It contains several articles and Web sites
that describe environmentally friendly projects and programs
implemented by AAHSA members. Although expenditures at
the front end may be higher, the long-range operational costs
are lower. One author recommends starting simple with an
energy audit. Others describe construction and
renovation projects in various parts of the country that were
designed and developed to be more energy and water efficient
with reduced use of toxic chemicals inside the
buildings. This issue of futureAge is worth
reading. The opportunities for going green are endless,
and the timing is right.
Grants
Available for Building Green -- Apply by Sept. 18 for
Green Communities Grants from Enterprise Community Partners.
Loans and tax credit equity are also available. Visit Green Communities Online. The Kresge Foundation's Green Building Initiative also makes
planning grants for green building. Contact: Colleen Bloom, (202) 508-9483.
Source: AAHSA This Week / Aug.
18, 2008 |
| Education News |
New Workshop Scheduled on September
4 -- AHCA's Skip Gregory Examines Physical Plant and
Life-Safety Requirements for Nursing Homes: Learn about
State-of-the-Art Design Models that Promote Resident-Centered
Care - This workshop is a "must" for providers who want to
improve their survey outcomes or who are considering replacing
or renovating their nursing home. Why build yesterday's
nursing home when you have the opportunity to incorporate
design features and technology that tomorrow's residents will
demand? The following topics will be covered:
- Overview of Physical Plant and Life-Safety Requirements
that can get you into trouble
- Best practices to follow when renovating or remodeling a
nursing home
- The Florida Building Code -- The Future is Now: Putting
the "Home" Back into "Nursing Home"
- Status of wireless communication systems
- State-of-the-Art Nursing Home Models
- What's Possible in Florida?
- Revisions to the Americans with Disabilities Act
- CMS Artifacts of Culture Change Tool -- Where Does your
Organization Stand with Culture Change and Resident-Centered
Care?
Register online now and mark your calendars to
join us on September 4, 2008 at the Hotel Royal Plaza in
Orlando.
Upcoming Educational
Events:
August 27 -- EIV Update Audio Call
featuring Bonnie Wilpon
September 4 --
AHCA's Skip Gregory Examines Physical Plant and Life-Safety
Requirements for Nursing Homes: Learn about
State-of-the-Art Design Models that Promote Resident-Centered
Care, Hotel Royal Plaza, Orlando
September 15
-- FAHSA's 2nd Annual Home and Community-Based
Services Workshop, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront,
Jacksonville
September 16 & 17 --
FAHSA's 25th Annual Affordable Housing and Service
Coordinator Workshop, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront,
Jacksonville
September 26 -- IMAX TRACs
Audio Call featuring Bonnie Wilpon
FAHSA Calendar of
Events |
| General News |
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IRS Issues Instructions for New Form
990 - This week, the Internal Revenue Service
released the revised Form 990 instructions for tax-exempt
organizations, which must be filed starting with tax year 2008
(filed in 2009).
"These instructions are the
final step in a tremendous effort to bring the Form 990 up to
date and to reflect the diversity and complexity of the
tax-exempt community," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman.
"The revised form will give the IRS and the public a much
better view of how exempt organizations operate. The improved
transparency provided by these changes will also benefit the
tax-exempt community." The revised
instructions
feature several new tools that make it easier to answer
questions line-by-line and that facilitate uniform
reporting.
Governor's 'Cover
Florida' Plan Gets Underway - During the 2008
Legislative session, the Legislature unanimously passed
Governor Crist's 'Cover Florida Health Care Access Program', a
comprehensive insurance program developed for Florida's
uninsured. Cover Florida will partner with private
insurance companies to create and competitively bid on
innovative health insurance products, designed to cost
consumers approximately $150 per month or less. Cover
Florida will be available to Floridians who have been without
insurance for at least six months, but the plan will not cover
pre-existing conditions for the first year.
Since the
submission process opened in July, nine insurance companies
have submitted proposals. The state plans to approve at least
one statewide plan but may approve regional plans by October
1, 2008. All approved carriers must offer consumers at
least two plans, one with catastrophic and hospital coverage,
and one without. Plans also must include a robust set of
benefits, including - at a minimum - coverage for preventive
services, screenings, office visits, outpatient and inpatient
surgery, urgent care, prescription drugs, durable medical
equipment, and diabetic supplies. For more information
or to receive a quote, please CLICK
HERE.
Watch
Out for Vitamin Supplements? - The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) warns consumers not to purchase or
consume Total Body Formula in the flavors of Tropical Orange
and Peach Nectar, or Total Body Mega Formula in the
Orange/Tangerine flavor. The liquid dietary supplement
products may cause severe adverse reactions, including
significant hair loss, muscle cramps, diarrhea, joint pain and
fatigue. Problems with Total Body Formula products began in
January as the first victims fell ill, but health officials
were unaware for two more months, until early March, when a
Florida chiropractor notified state health officials about a
cluster of patients with unusual problems. All of them had
used Total Body supplements. The products have been
distributed in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia,
Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North
Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and
Virginia. Consumers who have been taking the products
and have experienced adverse reactions should consult their
health care professional. Consumers and health care
professionals can also report adverse events to the FDA's
MedWatch program at 800-FDA-1088 or online at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.
Elderhostel Joins Forces with
AAHSA -- Since many elders living in senior housing
and long-term care communities cannot travel, AAHSA joined
with Elderhostel to bring the outdoors to residents. The
Elderhostel Web-based seminar series will kick-off with a
history of Mount Rushmore. Each session will focus on a
particular president and examine how his actions influenced
the nation. On October 23 - 24, the series will conclude
with a live question and answer session with actors portraying
the presidents. To reserve a seat for your residents and
clients, visit http://www.elderhostel.org/rushmore/ for more
information.
Source: AAHSA/FAHSA
futureAge, July/August 2008.
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| Home
and Community-Based Services News |
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FAHSA's 2nd Annual Home and Community-Based
Workshop Scheduled - This year, plan to attend
FAHSA's HCBS Workshop on Monday, September 15, from 1:00 p.m.
to 5:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
Hotel in downtown Jacksonville. Peter Notarstefano,
AAHSA's Director of HCBS, Mike Bell, The Hospice Foundation of
the Florida Suncoast, Shannon Martin, M.S.W., CMC, Aging
Wisely, and Anne Menard, Agency for Health Care Administration
will present topics such as Implementing a Comprehensive Aging
in Place Strategy for Independent Residents, Pushing the
Limits of Support Services: When Does it Become Too Much
of a Good Thing?, AHCA Issues New Rules Affecting HCBS/Home
Health Providers, and Operational Issues and Challenges for
HCBS Providers. Online registration and brochure are posted on
the Calendar Page of the FAHSA Web site.
Follow Up to August 13, 2008 CMS Home
Health, Hospice & DME ODF -- Below are the
responses to the questions raised during the recent Home
Health, Hospice & DME ODF: RE: Accreditation date
for DME suppliers who serves hospices: If a hospice has
a contract with a DME (that has a Medicare supplier number),
the hospice should have a letter in their file from the DME
stating the DME has applied and is waiting for accreditation
by the 9/09 date. If the hospice contracts with a
DME that only serves hospice, (therefore no Medicare supplier
number), the hospice will need to make sure the same type of
letter from the DME is in place in their files. The
accrediting bodies are aware that these DME's serving hospice
only will be calling for accreditation. If the hospice owns
its own DME, then no accreditation is needed. For
follow-up questions please contact CAPT. Mary Rossi-Coajou at:
mary.rossi-caojou@Cms.hhs.gov
Re: Miscellaneous ODF questions regarding Competitive
Bidding: CMS continues to examine the language of the
statute and prepare for implementation of various provisions
under MIPPA, including re-implementation of Round 1 of
competitive bidding. With respect to the promulgation of
new requirements under MIPPA, we are not yet prepared to say
what form/process that will involve. CMS (and its
contractors) will provide further guidance to suppliers in the
near
future.
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| Housing
News |
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Why Wait Any Longer - Sign Up Now to Hear the
Latest EIV AND iMAX TRACS Information - Bonnie
Wilpon, PAWA House will present the latest information on EIV
and IMAX TRACS in two audio conference calls scheduled on
August 27 and September 26. Don't miss this opportunity
to hear from the expert on how these new changes will affect
your operations. Sign-up, either online at the FAHSA Web site or
download a copy of the brochure and fax your registration to
the FAHSA office. Don't delay - handout materials will be
E-mailed on Tuesday in preparation for the call.
HUD's Office of Multifamily Housing leadership
wants to hear about your experiences, both positive and
negative, in gaining access to the
EIV system and in using the various Multifamily
applications and reports contained in the EIV
system. HUD Staff To Present 'Board
of Directors' Training Program - On Monday, September
15, 2008, Debra Varley and Carol Strayer, from the
Jacksonville HUD office, will present a "Boards of Directors
Training", specifically designed for members of your Board of
Directors. This training is being offered
complimentary to you when you register for either one day or
both days of FAHSA's Affordable Housing, Service Coordinator
and Home and Community-Based Workshops. Your Board
Members can attend complimentary. Please
consider asking at least one member from your board to attend
this important training program. The program will be
from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 15 at the
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Hotel, 225 Coastline
Drive, Jacksonville, FL. Affordable
Housing Workshop Brochures Mailed - Mark your
calendar, register online, and make your hotel reservations by
calling (904) 588-1234, for FAHSA's 25th Annual Affordable
Housing, Service Coordinator and Home and Community-Based
Workshops, beginning on Monday, September 15, 2008. In
addition to the Home and Community-Based Workshop on Monday,
HUD staff will be presenting "Boards of Directors" training,
specifically designed for your Board Members. On
Tuesday, a full-day of presentations are scheduled featuring
representatives from Senator Nelson and Senator Martinez'
office, Senator Steve Wise, Nancy Libson, AAHSA, Mark Alper,
National Center for Housing Management; Jody Walker, an award
winning motivational speaker, Patricia Hodges, Jacksonville
HUD office; and more! A reception and Silent Auction,
generously sponsored by SPM, Inc. will also be held on Tuesday
evening. On Wednesday, Kathleen Coughlin Williams,
Senator Mike Haridopolos, Shawn Steen, NTHDC; Don Shea, NTHDC;
Dorothy Swayze, NTHDC, Belinda Koros, Jacksonville HUD Office,
and Steve Protulis, EHDOC will present. The
Service Coordinator Workshop features presentations on Legal
Liabilities, The Fundamentals of a Service Coordinator,
Dealing with Difficult Residents, Medicaid Eligibility, Coping
with Loss, and a presentation on what Florida's Community
Colleges are doing to keep seniors involved in learning.
Make your plans now for plenty of networking opportunities, as
well as occasions to meet new providers and the staff from the
Jacksonville HUD office.
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| Legislative News |
Orlando Sentinel Video Tapes Westminster
Candidates Forum for Voter Education Web Site -- Last
Friday, Westminster Towers hosted a forum and reception for
candidates for Congressional District 8. Mary Ellen Early
moderated the event along with Sally Lou Torrance, Chairman of
the Residents' Council. Six of the seven candidates attended
along with 125 residents. The incumbent (Rik Keller) declined.
The forum lasted one hour. Candidates were given one minute
each to introduce themselves and state their qualifications
for office. They were also given a minute per candidate to do
each of the following: identify their two top priorities and
what they would do about them, state their position on
Medicare and Medicaid and any changes they would pursue, and
give a closing statement. The remaining time was used to
respond to questions from the audience. The Orlando Sentinel
filmed the forum and has posted the entire event on its voter education web site for the
public to view. Click on the video player on the bottom
right -- the second video. The videographer said it was the
best organized and well attended voter education events he
attended this year. Thank you to Jackie Clark
and Joe Trainer for organizing the event and to the residents
and staff of Westminster Towers for their
hospitality. |
| Nursing
Home News |
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IDR Protocols Updated -- If you should
consider disputing survey findings subsequent to the receipt
of an Official Statement of Deficiencies, an informal
opportunity-- also known as the Informal Dispute
Resolution (IDR)- -is available to skilled nursing facilities
and nursing home representatives. Read more on this
issue and those listed below in the latest Nursing Home Alert,
NH 08-29.
Other Nursing Home
News:
Medicare News from AAHSA
CMS
Special Open Door Forum
Cultural Change Updates and
Announcements from AHCA
FAHSA Nursing Home Alert Page
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| Preferred Business Associates
News |
|
 FAHSA's
Preferred Business Associates Program (PBAs) -- A
list of PBAs can be found by on the FAHSA Web site www.fahsa.org and
selecting Preferred Business Associates from the left side
menu bar or clicking on the FAHSA Preferred Business
Associates Page hyperlink. FAHSA members can also use the
on-line directory to search for PBAs by specialty.
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| Job-Mart |
| FAHSA is pleased to provide an opportunity for
you to advertise your "position wanted" or "position
available" through the FAHSA Link newsletter and on our
Web Page.
FAHSA members may use the Job Mart services at no charge. A
nominal fee of $25 will be charged to nonmembers.
Your Job Mart advertisement will be displayed on our Web
site for approximately three months. The FAHSA Link is
published weekly and distributed to our membership which is
comprised of nursing homes, CCRCs, HUD housing, assisted
living facilities, independent living facilities and
companies/firms.
To reserve advertisement space in our Job Mart program,
please complete the application and fax it
to FAHSA at (850) 671-3790 or E-mail Erin Steele at esteele@fahsa.org
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Copyright 2008 -- Publication of the
Florida Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
(FAHSA).
- FAHSA Chair: Alma Ballard
- FAHSA President/CEO: Janegale Boyd
- Managing Editor: Gail Matillo
Copyright
Information: Copies of the articles and other information in
this publication may be noncommercially reproduced for the
purpose of educational or scientific advancement. Otherwise,
no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in
any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including
photocopying, microfilm and recording, or by any information
storage and retrieval system, without the written permission
of the editor.
Correspondence: Should be addressed to:
Editor, 1812 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. For
telephone inquiries, call (850) 671-3700. Or E-mail FAHSA at
info@fahsa.org. © 2008 FAHSA. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this
correspondence is not intended as a substitute for legal
advice. Please discuss any information gathered from this or
any other FAHSA publications with your legal counsel in the
context of your particular situation before implementing any
new policies or procedures.
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